PARLGL-107-98789 - Concise Guide to Paralegal Ethics - Professor Tony Sipp

Introduction

My name is Professor Tony Sipp, and I am looking forward to working with you over the next five weeks. Legal Ethics is one of the most important courses in the Paralegal Studies program because it directly shapes how you will function as a legal professional. The decisions you analyze in this course mirror situations that arise in real legal workplaces every day.
I bring nearly two decades of experience in the legal profession, and I currently serve on the Paralegal Studies Advisory Committee here at College of the Canyons. I am honored to have been recognized as the 2024 Legal Professional of the Year by the California Lawyers Association, and my work includes leadership roles with the Los Angeles Paralegal Association, national speaking engagements, published writing, and co hosting The Paralegal Voice podcast.
This is a 8 week course, so the pace moves quickly. Staying organized and engaged from the first week is essential. I am here to support you and answer questions, but I also expect professionalism, effort, and timely participation. Clear communication and responsibility are part of the learning process in this class.
Please begin by reviewing the syllabus and Week 1 materials in Canvas. If you have questions, reach out early. I am excited to get started and to support your growth as a future legal professional.
Welcome to the course.
Professor Tony Sipp

Watch this short video below to learn more about the course

Course Description

This course examines ethical rules and professional responsibility standards that govern attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals. Students will study both ethical theory and practical application, with an emphasis on recognizing ethical issues and responding appropriately.
Topics include:
•    Confidentiality and attorney client privilege
•    Conflicts of interest
•    Competence and supervision
•    Unauthorized practice of law
•    Professional responsibility of paralegals
•    Ethical decision making in legal practice
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to identify ethical issues, categorize them, and apply applicable rules to reach ethical solutions.

What to Expect in this Course

Welcome to Legal Ethics, an intensive eight week course designed to mirror the pace and expectations of the legal profession. Students should plan for approximately 10–12 hours per week, including readings, weekly modules, discussion based ethical analysis, and short applied writing assignments. All work is managed through Canvas, and students must have reliable internet access, a computer, and a modern browser; a webcam and microphone are required for scheduled virtual meetings. Consistent engagement is essential, as even a single missed week is difficult to recover in a condensed course.
 

Types of Assessments

Assessment focuses on ethical judgment rather than memorization and includes discussion boards, realistic hypotheticals, short written analyses, and a final exam or capstone ethics project. Professional standards apply at all times: clear writing, academic integrity, respectful discourse, and timely submissions are expected. Students joining from a waitlist should begin immediately. Approach this course as professional formation not merely a requirement. The analytical habits you develop here will shape your credibility and effectiveness throughout your legal career.

Textbook Information

Required Text

Concise Guide to Paralegal Ethics
6th Edition (2024)
ISBN: 9798892078610

Please obtain the correct edition as early as possible. You will be using this textbook regularly throughout the course.

Other Relevant Course Information

Legal ethics is about accountability, judgment, and professionalism. These expectations apply in this course just as they do in the legal field. If you stay organized, communicate proactively, and engage seriously with the material, you will be successful.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/24/2026 Sub#: 2093 Sub ID: 219320